The Late Eamon Sheppard The death occurred in St Kieran's Nursing Home Rathcabbin of Eamon Sheppard, Kileen, and formerly of Newbridge St, Birr. Eamon was well known in set dancing circles and up until recently, though in failing health, he managed to attend a number of Ceilithe and lent encouragement to those taking part. Eamon was born and reared in Birr and under the tutelage of his father became a skilled carpenter and tradesman. His services were much in demand by builders and home decorators and he later took up employment in the maintenance division of the Offaly County Council. In his early years Eamon played hurling with Birr at various levels. In the mid 1950s when Birr Marian Hall was opened Eamon took on the task with others of teaching Ceili Dancing at the weekly practice Ceili which were a very important part of the social scene in Birr at the time. He was a founder member of the Birr Branch of the Conhaltas and was involved in organising County and provincial Fleadhanna Cheoil in Birr in the 50s and 60s. He became involved in the revival of set dancing nationally in the 1970s and attended workshops all over the county. He then passed on the expertise acquired to others at classes in Birr and the surrounding areas. He helped organise set Ceilis and his service were much in demand as a "Fear a ti" at these events. He performed both Ceili and Set dancing on numerous occasions on RTE television. Eamon was known far and wide for his willingness to help out various groups and with his late wife Marie, who predeceased him by less than a year, was a familiar figure at traditional gatherings in various parts of the country. Many men and women have reason to be grateful to Eamon Sheppard for teaching them their first steps of both Ceili and Set Dancing. Ar Dhesi De Go Raibh Se. Courtesy of Midland Tribune 4 January 2006 Tweet

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